# PhotoSpiralysis — Easy to use Droste Effect

> Applies the Droste effect to images for artistic transformations. (iPhone/iPad app by Erwin de Groot.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photospiralysis/id1365168323 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Erwin de Groot](https://appshunter.io/developer/1365168322)
- Category: Photo & Video
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.90/5 from 12 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 53 MB
- Released: 2018-04-04
- Data updated: 2026-08-03
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photospiralysis/id1365168323/reviews.md

## What is PhotoSpiralysis?

Transform your pictures into Escher-like works of art! Apply the Droste effect to any picture with this easy to use interactive app. Use images with transparent backgrounds, or apply your own mask inside the app. Interactively change the properties of the effect and instantly see the result!

## Key features

- Droste effect application
- Interactive effect adjustment
- Support for transparent backgrounds
- In-app masking
- Real-time preview

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Deluxe | $22.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photospiralysis/id1365168323/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Always interesting….

*2026-01-17*

Great program... but I always have to remember how to use it properly

### 4/5 — This app is cool!

*2025-01-31*

This app is cool! I think it’d be even cooler if they add a procedural animation feature!

### 5/5 — SO GOOOOOD

*2023-12-29*

SO amazing thank you for this wonderful app. It’s helping me create what I envisioned.

**Developer response:** Thanks for the review and the kind words :)

### 1/5 — BUYER BEWARE

*2022-01-25*

1. Developer claims background “should be” transparent. iOS yields a white background jpg (PNG would be transparent but choice isn’t available).

2. PAINFULLY SSSSSSLOW Render

3. Asked for refund bc app doesn’t do what it says it will do - ineligible. . . so forced to wait for update.

☹️

**Developer response:** There is nothing the 'buyer' needs to be aware of. The app is completely free and all features are available for you to try before you purchase the upgrade for high resolution images. It seems very childish to me to rate one star because of one insignificant feature you would've liked and two other reasons that don't really have much to do with the app. 

1) There are differences between operating systems. iOS doesn't have the extended save file dialog like macOS. For iOS I picked a single file format to keep things simple. In our email exchange (assuming that was you) I at first assumed I picked a format with transparency support, but then I corrected myself because the format is actually jpeg. Nowhere else do I claim the background should be transparent.

2) This is not something I can remedy. In edit mode I had to put in significant effort to make it interactive. For the final render it is up to the user how long the rendering should be (pick a lower resolution or disable anti-aliasing to make it faster). In the end the speed is still limited to the hardware of the device, so if this is really important to you, you need to buy a faster device.

3) I'm sorry to hear Apple is making it difficult for you to get a refund. This has nothing to do with the app. Payment and refunds are done 100% by Apple. Also, in this case you easily could've tried the app before spending money on the upgrade.

### 5/5 — Cut the deluxe down to five dollars and I’ll buy it

*2020-03-20*

Great program...but sure is pro - pricey
Works great on old iPad Pro ...will try iphone7s soon

### 1/5 — Pal

*2019-12-03*

Not wirk with me..iphone 6 ???

**Developer response:** I tested it on an iPhone6 and everything seems to be fine. If you tell me what exactly doesn't work for you I can take a look and try to fix it. [Edit:] Another user reported crashes for phones using iOS12 and older. I'm assuming you are were also using an older iOS version. This bug is fixed now, so you could give it another try if you want.

## Frequently asked questions about PhotoSpiralysis

### What is the Droste effect in PhotoSpiralysis?

The Droste effect creates a recursive image within itself, similar to a painting within a painting. PhotoSpiralysis allows you to apply this visually striking effect to any of your photos.

### Can I use my own images with transparent backgrounds in PhotoSpiralysis?

Yes, PhotoSpiralysis supports images with transparent backgrounds. This feature allows for more seamless integration of your existing graphic assets into the recursive effect.

### How does PhotoSpiralysis handle masking?

PhotoSpiralysis offers an in-app masking feature. This allows you to define specific areas of your image to be included or excluded from the Droste effect, giving you greater control over the final artwork.

### Is PhotoSpiralysis free to use?

PhotoSpiralysis is free to download and use. However, it does offer in-app purchases for additional features or content, as indicated by its monetization model.

### What devices is PhotoSpiralysis compatible with?

PhotoSpiralysis is designed for Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It requires iOS 4.3 or later to function.

### How often is PhotoSpiralysis updated?

The latest version of PhotoSpiralysis is 2.0.4, which was released on May 24, 2021. While updates may not be frequent, the app has been stable since its last update.

### What is the age rating for PhotoSpiralysis?

PhotoSpiralysis has an age rating of 4+. This indicates that the content is generally suitable for young children, with no mature themes present.

### What do users think of PhotoSpiralysis?

PhotoSpiralysis has an average rating of 3.9 stars from 12 ratings. This suggests a generally positive user reception, though there is room for improvement based on the available feedback.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0.4 — 2021-05-24

Option to create a final render with the same 'reduced' quality used in the design phase.

### 2.0.3 — 2020-12-04

Added inverse mask.
Cleaned up source tab.

### 2.0.2 — 2019-12-02

Added multi pole functionality and image sharing through other apps.

### 2.0.0 — 2019-01-16

2.0.0 (01/16/2019): Modern UI unified over all platforms

### 1.3.1 — 2018-06-07

Fixed issue with numeric input fields

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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| [DU-VFX](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/du-vfx/id1563142095) | 4.5 (32) | Free | Photo & Video |
| [Photo Reflect - Video too!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photo-reflect-video-too/id550777329) | 4.0 (4) | Free | Photo & Video |
| [WengiWengi](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wengiwengi/id1557565886) | 3.6 (5) | Free | Photo & Video |

## More apps by Erwin de Groot

- [Fractalysis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fractalysis/id1543977132)

All apps by Erwin de Groot: https://appshunter.io/developer/1365168322

## Related topics

[erwin de groot](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/erwin-de-groot)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-03.*